Phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant assay of ethanolic extracts of traditional medicinal plants ( < em > Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus, Peganum harmala < /em > ) in oman

Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus and  Peganum harmala are considered an important traditional folk medicines in Oman, extracts of these plants were screened for assessing bioactive phytochemical constituents and their antioxidant property. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated to explore the reliable and potential sources of novel natural antioxidants. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different plant extracts and phytochemical investigation showed variations in the presence and amount of active ingredients. All the fractions ofP.harmala,S.costus and F.assafoetida haveflavonoid and phenolic compounds, whereas, the highest amount was found inF.assafoetida which was0.370, 0.053 mg/ml respectively. Under antioxidant study the H2O2 free radical scavenging potential and Phosphomolybdate assay were studiedin vitro for the determination of antioxidant activity. HoweverS. costus extract showed the highest scavenging percentages 89%. In Phosphomolybdate assayFerula assafoetidahas a very good antioxidant potential due to    phenolic and flavonoid components.
Source: International Journal of Phytomedicine - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research